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Most Popular Summer Destinations in New Zealand

Posted onJune 30, 2015byJack Kent

Planning a summer getaway all starts with figuring out where you want to go. If you want a New Zealand trip this time, you will always have plenty of choices for the perfect summer destination. What’s more is that you will also have lots of activities to do in each destination.

The Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is composed of 144 islands offering a wide range of water activities, such as surfing, sailing, swimming, and dolphin safaris, among others. It is also a renowned big-game fishing ground, which is why it is frequented by people from various parts of the world who want the satisfaction of catching game sharks, marlin, or broad bills.

Four hours by car and you will reach Cape Reinga, the country’s most northern point. You will also see Giant Kauri Trees as well as huge sand dunes.

Raglan

It is New Zealand’s Ultimate Surfing Capital. It is a small town with an even smaller population. The Secret Kaori Lodge is built in the middle of the bush, but don’t be deceived by its appearance. It actually has the modern comforts that you need, such as a TV and stereo, a deck overlooking the ocean and offering the perfect view of the sunset, a pool table, and a place where first-time surfers can learn the skills.

Queenstown

This is a must-visit for all the adventurers out there as Queenstown offers so many extreme adventures. It is the land of bungee jumping, canyon swinging, white water rafting, drift driving, dirt biking, and paragliding. If you want to keep the adrenaline pumping, this is the ideal New Zealand summer destination for you.

Rotorua

Rotorua is known for its hot springs and geysers, hence the strong, sulphur smell. You can feel your worries and stress ebb away as you spend a lot of time bathing in the hot springs. However, it can offer more. You can enjoy some underground activities with black water rafting and a visit to the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, where you might feel like you are looking at a starry sky created by the thousands of glow worms.

Taupo

Conquer your fear of flying not only by getting on a plane, but also by jumping out of it as you skydive. You can enjoy the best yet the cheapest skydiving adventure in Taupo. A white limo will fetch you and take you to a pink plane. When the plane reaches 15,000 feet, you have to jump out of it and be distracted by the beauty of Mt. Ruapehu, the mountain that served as Lord of the Rings’ Mt. Doom, and the coast of New Zealand.

Auckland

Auckland has a lot of beaches to choose from, such as the Mission Bay that is perfect for families and the Pakiri Beach that is frequented by surfers. There are also other activities beyond what the beach can offer in the region. It has 26 regional parks that you can explore with your family and friends. Even small kids will enjoy a day at the Kelly Tarlton’s SEA LIFE Aquarium, the Auckland Zoo, or the Butterfly Creek.

Franz Josef Glacier

Cool down at Franz Josef Glacier, which covers snow-capped mountains and a temperate rainforest. You might start the adventure in the jungle, where you will sweat a lot, only to be cooled down when you come out on top of a glacier. You can choose between full day and half day hikes.

Fill your summer getaway with these destinations in New Zealand. It will surely be a summer to remember, especially if you hire a campervan and jump from one region to the next.

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About Jack Kent

Jack Kent loves the outdoors and nothing is more enjoyable than driving his Britz campervan around the North and South islands of New Zealand. When Jack isn't driving his motorhome around, he is drinking beers with his mates, mountain biking through country New Zealand and blogging about what New Zealand has to offer.